The family of Matthew Dunn, who was stabbed to death in Factory Road, Hinckley, in January this year, have released a statement following the conviction of James Burton for his murder.

It says: "Matthew was always happy and very thoughtful. He looked out for his younger brothers and sisters, he was everyone’s rock. He was a hard worker who loved fishing and music. He loved life. Matthew loved his beautiful boy and was a great dad and uncle.

“We are all proud to have had Matthew as part of our family. He didn’t deserve to have his life taken from him from us so tragically at only 23-years-old.

“Matthew was, and always will be, everyone’s hero. We will make sure Matthews life wasn’t taken in vain.

“The saddest thing is that Matthew’s son will grow up without a father in his life, the only comfort is that we will always have a part of Matthew in him.

“No sentence that could be given today can ever be sufficient to replace the life of Matthew. He has left a huge void in the life of all that knew and loved him.

“We would like to thank the barristers for their help in prosecuting this investigating, and extend our thanks to Leicestershire Police for all their hard work, especially the officers who tried to save Matthew, those involved in the investigation and the family liaison officers who have provided support throughout the investigation and subsequent court proceedings.”

Burton, of Parry Close, Earl Shilton, was found guilty today after a eight day trial at Leicester Crown Court.

He was found not guilty of a charge of threats to kill. He admitted a count of grievous bodily harm and a separate count of threats to kill just prior to the commencement of the trial.

Burton was sentenced to life in imprisonment for the murder conviction and ordered to serve a minimum term of 30 years before he is eligible for parole.

He was sentenced to four years for the counts of grievous bodily harm and threats to kill to run concurrently.